The UK Cyber Effects Network is hosting an open call for interactive conference workshop and lightning talk proposals on the core theme of “optimising cyber effects operations for conflict”. We are looking for engaging workshops and innovative research-focused talks that will push the debate forward.
Workshops should be up to 90 minutes in length. We can accommodate a variety of formats, including roundtable-style discussions, scenario-based exercises, training and debates. We are not looking for commercially focused workshops that promote specific products or services.
Lightning talks should be up to 10 minutes in length. We are looking for novel, innovative research and ideas that have not been presented before. We particularly welcome talks that have direct policy relevance for UK thinking and practice of offensive cyber operations, including lessons learned from international experiences.
We welcome submissions related (but not limited) to the following themes and questions:
Guiding Questions
- What have we learned (or not learned) about the role of cyber effects operations in wartime from recent conflicts?
- How does the UK ensure it learns the right lessons from recent conflicts?
- How does cyber campaigning develop as conflict evolves over time?
- How should offensive cyber operations, information warfare and electronic warfare be cohered or separated in military operations during conflict?
- What are allies and adversaries doing to prepare, and how can the UK ensure its own advantage?
- Does the UK’s commitment to principles of responsibility limit the effectiveness of its cyber operations in wartime?
- What is the optimal role of industry and civil society in innovating cyber effects capabilities in conflict?
- Can the increased use of volunteers and the private sector to deliver cyber effects operations in conflict be accommodated within existing policy and legal regimes?
- What are the technological, commercial and legal barriers to developing new cyber effects capabilities? How can they be removed? Do the barriers change in conflict?
- How can the UK and allies balance opportunities and risks of AI-based capabilities for cyber effects operations in conflict?
Please make sure you read the guidelines before submitting your proposal.
Submission guidelines
- Please include a CV for the lead organiser or speaker.
- Your abstract should be no more than 250 words in length. It should include the format of the workshop if you are submitting a workshop proposal.
- Please specify if you are submitting a proposal for a lightning talk or workshop.
- Please note that if AI tools have been used in the drafting of the paper and/or methodology, this should be clearly noted at the time of submission.
- Submissions close on 16 October 2026, 23:59 BST.